His Agony

23 - I remember most of it...

3 Days Later
Minho's POV:

"Going somewhere?" I asked, seeing Chan pressed against the wall, startled as if I had caught him off guard.

It's been about three days since the sports event ended, and we've been trying to adjust back to our normal schedule and routine at the dorm.

Chan stood there-his white crop top clung to his form, paired with modern riped jeans that were too eye catching ......an outfit that looked more like something for a stage performance rather than a casual day in the dorm.

I busied myself with the cupboard, pulling out a packet of ramen, getting ready to make it. I couldn't help but glance at his face. He looked kind of pale, more than usual. Every time I see him now, I couldn't stop thinking about that day-the tear-streaked, broken expression he had when I grabbed him by the jawline .

"I asked where are you going, dressed like that." I repeated, my tone a little harsher. Before he could respond,

"He's going with me. We have a meeting at the studio."

the manager suddenly appeared from the direction of the sofa and answered for him.

"Chan, are you ready?"

Chan nodded, still looking at me. "Well, get in the car, Chan.
Minho, we're leaving."

"Have a good day, manager," I said, watching them as they left.

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Chan's POV:

The headache's back. The same headache that's been torturing me for months now.

I was just doing the laundry when the manager came in, handing me a bag and telling me to hurry up and get dressed, saying we had somewhere to go.

As I struggled into the clothes, it felt like my head was about to explode.

Finally, all the blurred visions in my mind started to clear, flashes of memories and half-formed thoughts, slowly coming back into focus.

And now, we're in the car. Dressed like this, I can guess where we're really heading, even though the manager lied about it.

I didn't take any medicine for this headache, even though it's killing me. Every time I get it, I have blurred vision and flashbacks of things I'd forgotten.

And now ,I remember most of it...

It all started when I signed that agreement with the agency. Stray Kids were in a tough spot back then. We weren't gaining the popularity the agency expected from us, and they were losing patience. They were ready to disband us, to end everything we'd worked for.

And of course, the kids didn't know anything.

How could I tell them?

How could I look into their hopeful faces, those faces filled with dreams and promises, and tell them it was all about to fall apart?

No, I couldn't do that. I wouldn't do that. I raised them, in a way. I was the one who held them together, pushed them forward, made sure they kept believing. I promised myself I would be the one to make their dreams come true, no matter what it cost me.

The agency was already drafting an agreement with me at that time. All they wanted was to gain more popularity-whether it was through good or bad press. They said it was necessary if we wanted to survive as a group. I didn't want any part of it, but I had no other choice. So, I signed it.

The whole agreement was to tarnish my reputation, to create a scandal around me.
Trust me, people are far more interested in a "bad boy" than in someone who just works hard quietly. The agency played into that idea.

They created fake scenarios, edited photos-pictures of me at bars, with bottles, with women-things that weren't true at all. They spun these narratives, painting me as a reckless, selfish leader, a drunkard, a bully, even a womanizer. And fed them to the media.

It was hell for me, but it worked. Stray Kids gained attention. Our name was everywhere, even if it was because of the "scandalous" leader. The public turned against me, but strangely yet as expected they grew to love the other members even more. People pitied them, admired their "ability to endure" someone like me.

I was relieved that the plan worked, but at the same time, I was deeply ashamed. Even the members... even my own family forgot who I really was. The fake stories and pictures were so convincing that they believed them.

But it was fine, I told myself. When the agreement was over, I'd reveal everything. I'd come clean. They'd understand then. That was my hope, at least.

But things quickly got out of my control. It started with small things I could manage. They'd hand me a glass of alcohol I never touched, then take a picture like I'd downed the entire bottle. They staged fights with people I'd never met, spreading rumors that I was aggressive or abusive. It was part of the job, part of the agreement. I could bear it.

But then...then the agency got greedy. The demands started growing darker, crossing lines I never imagined. None of it was in the contract. The scariest part was something they called Special Fan Service...

Guess now I know why I feel so scared towards dark spaces...

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Minho's POV:

"Is this the manager's phone?" I glanced at the phone lying on the sofa, ringing nonstop for a while now.

"Can't you turn your phone off, Minho hyung?" Innie came over, looking so fluffy with his messy hair.

"Did you have a good nap, Innie?" I asked, smiling.

"Mmhm" he mumbled, still with a sleepy smile.

"It's not my phone. The manager came by to pick up Chan, and I think he forgot his phone here. It's been ringing non-stop."

"Then call Chan and let the manager know," Innie suggested. As he said that, I was already dialing Chan's number. "He's not picking up."

"He's probably ignoring you. Should I track him? I set a tracker on his phone a while ago!" Innie said, his voice filled with excitement. My eyes widened in disbelief.

"What the hell was that for? Are you trying to be some kind of spy? And how do you even know how to do that kind of stuff?" I asked, completely stunned.

"Just in case. You know, if he lies to us like he did back then, we can catch him instantly now.
And it's no big deal-it's just a dating app where you can see where your partner is."

"Are you serious?" I gave Innie a look, trying to process what I just heard.
"No need for your stupid spy stuff. I already know where they're headed anyway."

"Aaah, I was so proud of myself just now!" Innie pouted, tossing the phone onto the couch dramatically.
"I'm bored," he sighed.
I walked over and lightly smacked him on the head. "How about we take a ride, then? We can go to the store, grab some sweets, and on the way back, drop off the manager's phone at the studio."

"Great! I'll drive!"
Innie practically jumped out of the chair, full of sudden energy. I chuckled at his enthusiasm, shaking my head. "Alright, but no speeding."

"okey" he grinned, heading toward the door.

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Took me a whole day to write three chapters🫠..
Enjoy the read..💙

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